USING YOUR

BUILT-IN DIGITAL
VIDEO RECORDER
 CONTENTS
>> INTRODUCING DVR WITH COMCAST DIGITAL CABLE
>> GETTING STARTED
>> FIND YOUR FAVORITE PROGRAMS
>> CONTROL LIVE TV AND RECORDINGS
>> RECORD AND PLAY BACK PROGRAMS
>> WATCH TWO PROGRAMS AT ONCE
>> MANAGE PROGRAMS AND RECORDINGS
>> FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
>> DVR REMOTE CONTROL
>> DVR QUICK TIP CARD
2 3
INTRODUCING DVR WITH COMCAST DIGITAL CABLE
3 >> You’ll never watch TV the same way again.
Now you can:
Record All Your Favorite Shows
4-6
With Digital Video Recording (DVR) from Comcast, it’s easy to record your favorite
shows — just highlight a program in your On-Screen Guide and press Record. No tapes,
timers, phone lines, or VCR required. You can even record two shows at the same time.
7-8 Plus, you can record your favorite high-definition (HD) programs if you have an HDTV set.
With Smart Series Recordings, you can easily program DVR to record your favorite
9-10 series all season long. You can even set it to skip reruns. And, you never have to worry
about missing an episode because DVR detects lineup changes and adjusts recording
times automatically.
11-15 Watch Your Favorite Shows Anytime You Want
With DVR, there’s always something on you want to watch. Watch shows you have recorded
whenever it’s convenient for you. Feel like watching The West Wing on Friday night? Or a
16-17 movie you recorded earlier in the week? Watch what you want when you want.
Take Control of Live TV
18-21 With DVR, you can take control of live TV so you won’t miss a single minute of a show
you’re watching. Need to answer the phone? Miss the punch line in your favorite sitcom?
Want to see that football play again? With DVR you can:
>> Pause a live program.
22-25
>> Instantly replay live TV.
>> Watch a scene in slow-motion.
26 >> Rewind through the portion you have been watching.
>> Fast-forward up to the point of live TV.
27-28 With DVR You Get More Out of Your TV
 GETTING STARTED

>> Prepare Your Remote Control 4. Press the Vol – key to indicate that you want to select a picture format setting.
The LED display shows HdSr to indicate that you are in the picture format mode
After you have connected DVR to your TV, press Cable on your remote control to ensure
for HDTV screens.
the remote is in Cable mode. You can verify this by pressing the Power key to see if the
5. Use the following table to select the setting that your HDTV supports.
DVR turns on and off.
Note: You have 20 seconds to begin selecting picture format settings. After 20
>> Get to Know Your Digital Cable Box with Built-in DVR seconds, HdSr disappears to indicate that the DVR is no longer in the picture
Comcast offers both a standard definition DVR and a high-definition (HD) DVR from format mode. If this occurs, repeat the process beginning at Step 3.
Scientific Atlanta. If you have an HDTV set and subscribe to Comcast's HDTV service,
you will be provided with a DVR that can record HD programming (in addition to standard
To Select this The DVR Briefly And then Briefly
definition programming). An HD-capable DVR is denoted with the letters “HD” on the front
Picture Format Press Displays Displays
of the receiver.
480i CH+ 480i SEt

720p VOL- 720p SEt

480p CH- 480p SEt

1080i* VOL+ 1080i SEt

*This is the default picture format setting.

Important Safety Instructions
The DVR box has an internal hard disk drive. To help reduce potential for damage, it must 6. The TV picture should appear onscreen. Make sure the remote control is in Cable
be handled in much the same way as a computer. Your DVR box has been designed to mode.
operate reliably in a well-ventilated household environment.
Step 2: Set Your Preferences for Watching HD Programming
1. Position the DVR in an open space that allows airflow around the unit (there should be Setting up DVR to support a variety of picture formats allows you to toggle among
at least 2 inches of space on all sides). the settings you have chosen while watching TV and to select the setting that provides
2. Slots and openings in the unit cabinet are provided for ventilation. Do not block the the best picture quality for the format currently being broadcast.
slots and openings in the DVR or place anything on top of the DVR. Also, you should
There are three ways you can select picture formats for your HDTV. The DVR Setup
not place the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface.
Wizard guides you through each one.
3. Make sure the DVR is not near any external heat source that could raise the
temperature around the unit. To Start the Setup Wizard, Follow These Steps:
1. Make sure the DVR is OFF and the HDTV is ON.
>> Prepare Your DVR to Work with Your HDTV
2. On the DVR, press the Guide and Info keys at the same time.
You can watch HD programs if you have an HDTV that is connected to your DVR. You must
3. Press A to select HD output type. The Output Selection screen appears.
have the appropriate settings for your DVR to achieve optimal picture quality on your HDTV.
In most cases, a Comcast technician will optimize these settings for you. However, if you 4. Using the remote control, select the HD output type. The Set TV Screen Type screen
have an HDTV and are not using a DVI connection, you may need to adjust the settings in appears.
order to view video. Follow these steps to access and change your settings. 5. Press one of the following options to select a TV screen type:
>> If you have a standard-screen HDTV (4:3), press A . The Set Picture Format
Step 1: Select a Compatible HDTV Picture Format screen appears.
1. Find the picture formats your HDTV supports. If necessary, refer to the user's manual
>> If you have a wide-screen HDTV (16:9), press B . The Set Picture Format
that came with your HDTV.
screen appears.
2. If the DVR is off, press Power on the remote to turn it on.
3. On the front of the DVR, press and hold the Select key until the Message Light
blinks.

4 5
 FIND YOUR FAVORITE PROGRAMS

6. Using the arrow keys on your remote, select one of the following three methods to >> Display the Program Guide
select a picture format setting and follow the prompts:
1. Press Guide and then OK/Select to view TV listings. The Program
>> Quick Setup Method — Applies a setting of 480i for a standard-screen HDTV
Guide appears and lists programs for the next 7 days.
and a setting of 1080i for a wide-screen HDTV.
2. To close the Guide, press Guide . The Program Guide closes, displaying the
>> Standard Setup Method — Allows you to toggle between the 1080i and 480i
program highlighted in the Program Guide.
settings while watching TV.
>> Custom Setup Method — Lets you select any combination of settings the DVR
supports. The Program Guide
7. To start watching TV, press Exit, Cable, and then Power.
3. 1. The Information area displays
Note: If you choose not to set your preferences to switch based on the type of 3. information about the program that
programming you are watching, DVR will automatically add bars to the sides of non- 1.
is highlighted in the Program Guide.
HD programs. You may remove the bars around the program and fill the wide screen
2. The Browse By area automatically
with the picture by selecting Stretch or Zoom. 2. 4.
4. lists programs by channel number,
>> To stretch the picture, press # once on the remote. The picture stretches to fill but you can choose to list programs
your wide-screen television. 5. by Title, Theme, or Date by selecting
>> To enlarge the display, press # again. The picture enlarges to fill your wide-screen or .
television. 3. The Quarter Screen shows the program you are tuned to.
4. The Broadcast Time Bar lists the times programs are shown. The Programs
area displays the title of each program.
5. The Options area displays additional options.

>> Select a Program from the Program Guide

1. Press Guide and then OK/Select to view TV listings. The Program Guide
appears and lists programs for the next 7 days.
2. Press the Directional Keys   to navigate program listings and highlight the
program of your choice.
3. Press OK/Select . If the program is currently on, the Program Guide closes
and the program you selected appears full-screen. If the program is on in the future, a
Future Program Option screen appears.

>> Search for a Program by Channel, Title, or Theme

DVR automatically lists programs by channel number, but you can customize it to list
programs by Title or Theme.
1. Press Guide and then OK/Select to view TV listings. The Program Guide
appears and lists programs for the next 7 days.
2. Press A Browse By.
3. Press  to highlight Channel, Title, or Theme.
4. Press OK/Select to select your new search criteria.

6 7
 CONTROL LIVE TV AND RECORDINGS

With DVR, you can control your TV in ways you never imagined. Pause live TV when your
Browse By Options best friend calls. View an instant replay or fast-forward to where the plot thickens — all
with a push of a few buttons on your remote control.

>> Buffered Programs

Browse By Channel So how is all this possible? DVR creates a temporary recording of all programs you are
Channel lists programs numerically by watching. This temporary recording is referred to as a buffer. DVR automatically buffers
channel number. approximately the last 45 minutes of the program you’re watching (15 minutes of an HD
program) and continues to buffer the channel until you:
>> Switch to another channel — When you change channels, DVR begins to buffer
the program you just tuned to. It removes any previous programs stored in the buffer.
Browse By Title >> Turn off your DVR box — When you turn off DVR, the buffer is erased.
Title lists programs alphabetically >> Record a program — When a scheduled recording begins or you press
by title. Record on your remote while watching live TV, DVR clears the buffer and stores
Note: A star next to a program it on the hard drive.
indicates the program is currently
TIP: The buffer length varies based on the type of channel you are watching.
being broadcast.
>> Analog Channels (typically channels below channel 100) — at least 45 minutes.
>> Digital Channels (typically channels 100 and above) — up to 90 minutes.
>> HD Channels — at least 15 minutes.
Browse By Theme
Theme lists programs by category,
such as Adventure, Comedy, Sports, Status Bar
or News. The Status Bar appears whenever you pause, rewind, or fast-forward a live program
or a recording.
For a live program, red indicates missed Green indicates the For a live program,
programming (from the time the program portion of the program area indicates the
>> Search for a Program by Date began until the time you tuned to it). that is buffered or saved. portion of the program
For a recording, red indicates the portion of not yet broadcast.
1. Press Guide and then OK/Select to view TV listings. The Program Guide the program not recorded.
appears and lists the next 7 days of programs.
2. Press B Date. The next 7 dates are displayed.
3. Press  to highlight a date.
4. Press OK/Select to list programs that will be broadcast on that date. This area represents The name of the The yellow pointer For a live program,
the current status program appears indicates where you the time of the broadcast
(paused in this case). beneath the bar. are in the program. is displayed.
For a recording,
the program length
is displayed.

8 9
 RECORD AND PLAY BACK PROGRAMS

>> Pause a Live Program or a Recording Record up to 40 hours of standard definition programming with the Explorer 8000.
Record up to 80 hours of standard definition programming or up to 20 hours of high-
1. Press Pause to freeze the action. The Status Bar appears briefly in the Pause
definition programming if you have an Explorer 8000 HD. An HD-capable DVR is denoted
position at the bottom of the screen. For programs that you’re watching live, DVR will
with the letters “HD” after Explorer 8000 on the front of the receiver.
remain in pause mode for up to 1 hour.
2. Press Pause again or press Play to resume playing the program. >> Recording Programs
>> Rewind or Fast-Forward a Live Program or Recording DVR lets you record a program you are watching live or schedule a future recording from
the Guide. You can even record two programs at once. DVR also lets you record multiple
You can rewind or fast-forward in any of three different speeds: 4x, 10x, or 32x. episodes of a program with only having to set up the recording once. You never miss an
1. Make sure the program or recording is not in Pause mode. If it is paused, episode since DVR detects lineup changes and adjusts recording times automatically.
press Play . It can even skip reruns.

2. Press Rewind or Fast-Forward one, two, or three times to increase

the speed.
Record a Single Program
3. Press Rewind or Fast-Forward a fourth time to resume playing at
normal speed. You may also press Play to return to normal speed.
1. Press Record on your remote to
>> Instant Replay begin recording a program you are
watching live. Or, to schedule a future
Press Instant Replay to watch the last 8 seconds of a live program or a recording recording, highlight the program in the
again. Every additional press jumps back 8 more seconds. Never miss a moment of your Guide and then press Record .
favorite show again! The Confirm Recording screen
appears with One episode highlighted.
>> Use Slow-Motion
2. Press A to Accept Recording with
1. While watching live TV or playing a recording, press Play once. The action is the default save time of 14 days.
shown in slow-motion.
2. To resume play at normal speed, press Play again.
Save Time Setting
>> Watch Action Frame by Frame SAVE TIME
After 14 days, DVR automatically erases the recording
Analyze sports events and other programs by watching the action frame by frame — 2 Days to make space for other programs you want to record.
one second at a time. 7 Days You can modify the default setting for each recording to
14 Days 1, 2, 7, or 14 days — or to “Until erased.” “Until erased”
1. Press Pause . The action pauses.
Until erased means it will be saved until you erase it yourself.
2. Press Fast-Forward or Rewind to move the action one frame at
a time. 1 Day
3. Press Play to resume play at normal speed.
To change the Save Time when scheduling a new recording, highlight the “Save
>> Catch Up with a Live TV Program Time” column from the Confirm Recordings screen and select the new save time.
You can also change the Save Time for a program after it is recorded by selecting
When you pause or rewind a live program, the program continues to be broadcast and
the “Change Save Time” option from the Recording Options screen and following
stored in the buffer. You can continue watching the buffered program (delayed from the
the on-screen prompts.
live broadcast), or you can catch up with the live broadcast by pressing Live .
When you press Record to save a program you are watching live, any portion
Note: The Live key is inactive when you are playing back a recording.
saved in the buffer will also be recorded.

10 11

Record a Series
1. Press Record on your remote
to begin recording a program you
are watching live. Or, to schedule
a future recording, highlight the
program in the Guide and then
press Record . The Confirm
Recording screen appears.
2. Press  to select All Episodes.
The Save Latest column appears
to the right.
3. Select the number of episodes you
would like DVR to save by pressing
the  buttons on your remote.
You can save 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of
the most recent episodes. Or, you
can save every episode until you
cancel the recordings or run out of
storage space.
4. Press A to Accept Recording. The All Episode Recording Options
screen appears.
5. Using the  buttons, highlight the recording option of your choice. You may
record:
>> All episodes on this channel at any time.
>> New first-run episodes on this channel.
>> All episodes on this channel in this time slot.
6. Press OK/Select to confirm the recording.
Note: Whenever you set up DVR to record all episodes of a program, it records
indefinitely until you cancel the recordings or run out of storage space.
12
>> Record Two Programs at Once
DVR lets you set recordings for two programs that air at the same time. Just follow the
instructions on page 11 to “Record a Single Program” or page 12 to “Record a Series.” If
you are initiating recordings from two live broadcasts, the first program begins recording as
soon as you tune to it and press Record . The second program begins recording when
you tune to it and press Record .
When recording two programs live at the same time, you can watch them while they
record, or you can play back a recording and watch it as well, but you cannot tune to
another channel and watch a third program live.
Forget Which Channel You’re Recording?
DVR gives you three ways to find channels currently being recorded:
>> Turn on the Picture-In-Picture (PIP) feature and press Info . Both channel banners
appear, and the Recording Now symbol is displayed if one of the channels is
currently recording.
>> Press My DVR to display the Recorded List screen and, as you move up
or down the list, look in the Information area of the screen for a recording with the
Recording Now symbol.
>> Display the Program Guide and look for a program highlighted in red.
If you want to view the program being recorded, select the program from the Recorded
List or from the Program Guide, and then press OK/Select .
>> Recording and Watching Programs
If, while recording two programs, you try to tune to another channel, DVR displays a
Channel Change Notice to let you know you must stop a recording to change channels.
For details, see “Cancel a Recording in Progress” on page 15.
While DVR Records You are Free to:
>> Continue to watch the channel while the recording is being made.
>> Pause, fast-forward, or rewind the program without affecting the recording.
>> Change channels if only one program is being recorded or switch back and forth
between two channels that are recording.
>> Watch a recording.
>> Turn off the TV without affecting the recording.
>> Turn on the PIP feature.
Note: the PIP screen will not appear in the recording.
>> Display the Recorded List screen or the Program Guide.
13

Play Back a Recording
Play back your recordings whenever you want. You can even record up to two
programs while you play back any program you recorded earlier.
1. Press My DVR to display a
list of your Recorded Programs.
2. Highlight the recording you want
to watch and press OK/Select
. If you select a recording
you have recently watched,
the recording begins playing
immediately. Otherwise, the
Recorded Program Options screen appears with the option to play
the recording.
3. Press OK/Select to begin playing the recording. Use the playback controls
on your remote, like pause and rewind, to control the action.
4. After you have finished playing back the recording, you may choose to keep the
recording, erase it, or copy it to a VHS tape.
TIP: Press Exit from the Recorded List screen to return to full-screen TV.
View a List of Programs Scheduled to Record
1. Press My DVR . The
Recorded List screen appears.
2. Select A Scheduled
Recordings. The Scheduled
Recordings screen appears with
a list of all the programs you have
scheduled to record.
If a program is currently being recorded, the Recording Now symbol appears
in the Information area of the screen when the title is highlighted.
TIP: Select B Preferences
from either the Recorded List or
Scheduled Recordings screens
to view the percent of recording
space currently being used.
14
>> Cancel a Scheduled Recording
You can cancel a scheduled recording at any time.
1. If the Recorded List screen is not displayed, press My DVR . The Recorded
List screen appears.
2. Press Scheduled Recordings. The Scheduled Recordings screen appears.
3. Press  to highlight the recording you want to cancel.
4. Press OK/Select . The Edit Scheduled Recordings screen appears.
5. Select B Cancel Recording. The Confirm Cancel screen appears displaying
the question “Are you sure you want to cancel recording this program?”
6. Press A Yes, Cancel.
>> Cancel a Recording in Progress
You can stop a recording in progress at any time. When you stop a recording, you can
save what has been recorded or erase the entire recording.
1. If you are not watching the recording, tune to the channel that is being recorded.
2. Press Stop . The Stop Recording screen appears.
3. Press  to highlight the option you want.
4. Press OK/Select . The red Record indicator on the front of the DVR turns off.
>> Erase a Recording
Permanently erasing programs you no longer want to watch creates space to record
and store other programs. If DVR becomes full, some programs may be partially saved
or not saved at all. The Explorer 8000 holds up to 40 hours of standard definition
programming. The Explorer 8000 HD holds up to 80 hours of standard definition
programming or up to 20 hours of HD programming.
1. Press My DVR if the Recorded List screen is not displayed. The Recorded
List screen appears.
2. Press  to highlight the recording you want to erase.
3. Press OK/Select . The Recording Options screen appears.
4. Press  twice. The option Erase is highlighted.
5. Press OK/Select . The message “Are you sure you want to erase this
recording?” appears.
6. Press A Yes, Erase. The message “One moment please” appears in the
Information area of the screen, and the program is removed from the list.
15
 WATCH TWO PROGRAMS AT ONCE

>> Use the Picture-In-Picture Feature

Move the Location of the PIP Screen
DVR has built-in Picture-In-Picture (PIP). When you turn on PIP, you can watch two
channels at once. One channel appears as a full-screen image. The other appears as If the PIP screen blocks the action in the main TV screen, move the PIP screen by
a small image within the full-screen image. pressing Move .

Note: If your television came with PIP functionality, you may wish to deactivate it, as
the PIP images with DVR become twice as small if PIP functions are activated. Possible Positions of PIP Screen
Each time you press Move , the PIP
screen moves clockwise to the next corner
Turn PIP On and Off of the main TV screen as shown here.

1. While watching a program, press PIP

On . The PIP screen appears within
the full-screen, and a channel banner Swap the Main Screen and the
appears briefly under the PIP screen. PIP Screen
To move the full-screen program shown
Note: You will only hear the sound of the
in the main TV screen to the PIP screen,
program shown in the full-screen.
press Swap .
SWAP

2. To turn off the PIP screen, press PIP Off again.

Full-screen program in main TV screen
Note: If you press Info when the PIP feature is on, a channel banner appears
PIP screen
for both screens. If either program is currently being recorded, its channel banner
will show the Recording Now symbol.
The PIP Screen and the Quarter
Change the Channel of the PIP Screen
Screen Certain DVR screens, such as the
1. Press PIP On/Off (unless already Recorded Program Options screen
in PIP mode). shown here, show a reduced version of
the main TV screen, known as a Quarter
2. Press PIP Channel Up or PIP
screen — which is not to be confused
Channel Down .
with a PIP screen.
To control the program in the Quarter screen or Main TV screen, use the
Note: Pressing the main Channel Up or Channel Down key changes the main keys on the remote control such as Pause , Rewind , or Fast-
channel of the program shown in the main TV screen. Forward .

To control the program in the PIP screen, use the PIP keys, such as Swap
, or Move
SWAP
.

Note: You must swap the PIP screen to the full screen in order to pause,
rewind, or fast-forward.

16 17
 MANAGE PROGRAMS AND RECORDINGS

>> Keep Others from Watching a Recording Playing Back Blocked Recordings
Your Digital Cable Reference Guide gives instructions on how to use the Parental Control
feature to prevent others from watching upcoming programs. You can block programs by From Recorded Program Options
channel, rating, or time of day. You can also keep others from watching a recording by or Recorded List, you can watch a
using the Block feature when Parental Controls are turned on. blocked program by either:

1. If the Recorded List screen is not displayed, press My DVR . The Recorded Selecting “Play [title of program].” The
List screen appears. Parental Control PIN Entry screen
2. Press  to highlight the recording you want to block. appears. Enter your four-digit PIN to
3. Press OK/Select . The Recording Program Options screen appears. turn off Parental Control. When Parental
Control is off, all recordings and
4. Press . The option “Block [title of program]” is highlighted.

programs can be viewed.
5. Press OK/Select . The PIN Entry box appears.
6. Press the number keys to enter your four-digit PIN. The PIN Entry screen disappears, Selecting “Unblock [title of program].”
and the Closed Lock symbol appears in the Information area of the Recorded The Program PIN Entry screen
List screen. appears. Enter your four-digit PIN to turn
off blocking only for this recording. Other
recordings and programs continue to be
Recording Options Screen blocked if parental control is “on.”

After you block a recording, the Closed

Lock symbol appears in the Information
area to indicate the recording can be
played only by entering a PIN. >> Maximize Your Storage Space
DVR can store up to 40 hours of standard definition programming if you have an
In addition to blocking a program from
Explorer 8000 and up to 20 hours of HD programming or 80 hours of standard definition
this screen, you can also play or erase a
programming if you have an Explorer 8000 HD. However, it is not intended as a long-
program, or you can change the save
term storage device. To make the most efficient use of your storage space, follow these
time of a program.
guidelines:
>> Set your default Save Time setting to 14 days or less. Setting it to “Until erased”
Note: At this time you cannot block by program title. To block a program scheduled to causes the storage space to fill up more quickly.
be recorded, block the program by time, channel, or rating from the General Settings >> Turn on Auto Erase.
menu (press Menu twice to access the General Settings menu). DVR will
>> After you watch a recording, decide to either erase it or keep it permanently by
record the program, but the recording can only be viewed after you enter your four-
transferring it to a VHS tape and then erasing it from your DVR.
digit Parental Blocking PIN.

18 19
Change the Default Save Time Setting
1. Press My DVR if the
Recorded List screen is not
displayed. The Recorded List
screen appears.
2. Press B Preferences. The
Preferences screen appears.
3. Press  to highlight “Change
Save Time for future Recordings.”
4. Press OK/Select . The options for “Save Time” appear.
5. Press  to highlight your desired Save Time.
6. Press OK/Select . The “Save Time” options disappear, the Preferences
screen appears, and the new default “Save Time” setting appears in the
Information area of the screen.
After you select a new default “Save Time,” DVR displays your new selection in the
Information area.
Auto Erase
When Auto Erase is on, your oldest
recordings are deleted when space is
needed to make room for new recordings.
Only recordings marked with a Save Time
other than “Until I Erase” are subject to
auto-erasing. Your DVR comes with Auto
Erase off. To turn on Auto Erase:
Copy Recordings to a VHS Tape
It’s easy to transfer your favorite
recordings to a VHS tape with DVR.
You can even copy DVR recordings to
a VHS tape while watching live TV or
a recording and while recording new
programs. Only one recording can be
archived to a VHS tape at once. Follow
these instructions to make a copy:
1. Connect the VCR to the DVR outputs
OUT 2.
2. Place a blank tape in your VCR.
3. Set your VCR input to record from the
cable box.
4. Press My DVR to display the
Recorded List screen.
5. Press  to highlight the program you want to copy.
6. Press OK/Select to display the Recorded Program Options screen.
7. Highlight the “Copy to VCR” option and press OK/Select to display the
Copy to VCR screen.
8. Press Record on your VCR.
9. Select A Start Copy.

1. Press My DVR on your remote.

2. Press B to view the Preferences
screen.
3. Press  to highlight Auto Erase.
4. Press OK/Select to turn on Auto
Erase and automatically erase your
oldest programs when space is needed.

TIP: See how much recording space

you have available! From the Recorded
List or Scheduled Recording screens,
select the Preferences key. Highlight
Recording space used to view how
much space is used by your recordings.

20 21
 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
>> Questions About Your Digital Cable Box with Built-in DVR
What happens if DVR temporarily loses power?
All recordings that were saved prior to the power loss are preserved, as well as future
recording schedules. You miss only the recordings scheduled to be made while the
power was out.
Where can I find details on installing DVR?
Go to comcast.com or sciatl.com. It contains documentation on a number of topics,
including installation and setup. You will need the serial number of your DVR to access
the information. See page 25 for details on locating the serial number.
Why doesn’t DVR respond when I press the keys on the remote
control?
You may not be in the Cable mode. Press Cable on the remote control. The Cable key
blinks red when you press it, and the green Power indicator on the front of the DVR
turns on and off.
Why did my DVR turn off during the night?
To maximize the life of the internal hard drive, your DVR will automatically power down
during inactivity between 1:15 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. DVR will remain off until you turn it
back on or until a program is scheduled to record.
How many hours of programming can I store on my DVR? What is the
hard drive capacity?
DVR can record up to 40 hours of standard definition programming or 20 hours of
high-definition programming. Storage capacity varies based on the type of programs
you record. For example, digital programs take up less space than analog programs.
The hard drive capacity is up to 160GB.
How many tuners does my DVR have?
DVR has two tuners, so you can record two programs at the same time.
Can I receive and record programs in high definition with my DVR?
Yes. As long as DVR is connected to a high-definition television, you can watch and
record HDTV programming.
If the power goes out, will my Parental Control and Purchase PINs,
Favorite Channels, Locks, and Reminders be saved?
Yes. These items should not be lost if the DVR box loses power.
22
>> Questions About Controlling Live TV or Recordings
How far back can I rewind a program?
It depends on whether it’s a live or recorded program. For live programs you have
watched less than one hour, you can rewind back to the point where you started
watching. If you have watched a live program for longer than an hour, you can rewind
up to the last hour you’ve watched. For recorded programs, you can rewind to the
beginning of the recording.
Can I pause, rewind, or fast-forward a program in the PIP screen?
No. Those keys only control the program shown in the main TV screen or in the small
quarter screen that appears on DVR screens like the Recorded List screen and the
Program Guide.
Can I pause, rewind, or fast-forward a program shown in the upper
right corner of DVR screens like the Program Guide or the Recorded
List screen?
Yes. The small screen shown in the upper right (aka the quarter screen) is actually the
main TV screen. It is reduced to fit while viewing other information. Keys such as pause,
play, rewind, and fast-forward control the main TV screen — whether the screen fills the
monitor of your TV or whether it is reduced to fit into another information screen.
If I’m watching a program in progress and want to record it, can I
record it from the beginning?
Yes. As long as you were tuned to the program when it began. DVR saves the portion in
the buffer, plus the remainder of the program.
How can I catch up to the live point of a program after I’ve paused it?
Press Live on the remote. Or, fast-forward to the point of live programming. The on-
screen indicator will display “LIVE” once you reach the live point of the program.
>> Questions About Recording and Playing Back Programs
Can I record the program that is shown in the PIP screen?
You can record a program shown in the PIP screen, but you must start the recording
from the main TV screen. For details, see “Swap the Main Screen and the PIP Screen”
on page 17.
Can I recover a recording that was erased from my DVR?
Unfortunately, no. Once it’s been erased from the Recorded List, it’s gone. However, you
can copy programs to a VHS tape or extend the length of time a program is saved. For
details, see “Copy Recordings to a VHS Tape” on page 21 or “Change the Save Time
when scheduling a new recording” on page 11.
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Can I record two programs and watch a recorded program at the
same time?
Yes. You can play back a recording while recording two programs. If you try to tune to
another channel, you will see a Channel Change Notice that lets you know you must stop
a recording to change channels. For details, see “Cancel a Recording in Progress” on
page 15.
What happens if a sports event that I scheduled to record goes into
overtime?
DVR cannot determine whether a live program will end at its scheduled time. If there is a
chance the event you are recording may continue past its scheduled time, you can allow
for this uncertainty by extending the stop time on the Confirm Recording screen.
Can I record ON DEMAND programs?
ON DEMAND programs cannot be recorded by DVR. But keep in mind that you can
watch ON DEMAND programs as often as you want over a 24-hour period and start
them anytime you choose.
Can I record high-definition (HDTV) programs?
Yes! As long as HDTV DVR is connected to an HDTV, you can record up to 15 hours of
HD programming.
Why did DVR record only part of a program?
If the beginning of the program is missing, you may have started recording the program
after it began. If the end of the program is missing, DVR may have reached its storage
capacity or the program may have continued past its scheduled end time.
If there is a chance the program you are recording may continue past its scheduled time,
you can allow for this uncertainty by extending the stop time on the Confirm Recording
screen. To determine if DVR has reached its storage capacity, display the Recorded List
screen and highlight the program in question. The Information area indicates one of the
following reasons:
>> User stopped recording early.
>> Reached storage capacity. If you determine DVR has reached its storage capacity,
you can make space by erasing recordings you no longer want or by copying those
you want to keep to a VHS tape and then erasing them from your DVR. For details,
see “Erase a Recording” on page 15 or “Copy Recordings to a VHS Tape” on
page 21.
I watched two back-to-back programs on the same channel, but
when I pressed Record, my DVR recorded only the second program.
Why didn’t it record both since it buffered both?
It recorded the second program because it was the live program at the time that you
pressed Record. DVR does buffer all programs on a channel for up to one hour. However,
when you are watching live programming, DVR assumes that you want to record a
specific program, not a specific channel. For that reason, DVR records only the program
24
currently being broadcast at the time you press Record. For example, let’s say you tune
to a channel for 45 minutes and during that time watch a 30-minute Friends episode
and then watch the first 15 minutes of Will & Grace. You can rewind to the beginning of
Friends, but if you press Record, DVR will only record Will & Grace because that was the
live program at the time you pressed Record.
Can I erase part of a recording?
No. At this time, DVR can only erase the entire recording.
Where can I get more information?
Please visit comcast.com, call 1-888-COMCAST, or visit sciatl.com. Please have the
product name and serial number ready. To locate the serial number, look on the back
of the DVR for a label. The serial number begins with SA and is located in the lower left
corner of the barcode. See example below.
0003B4287797
Sample serial number SABDQXTL N0006246618
>> Questions About Watching Two Programs at Once
If a program is being recorded in the PIP screen and I turn off the PIP
feature, will the recording continue?
Yes. DVR will continue to record the program even if you turn off the PIP feature.
What if my TV doesn’t have the PIP feature?
That’s no problem. You can still use the PIP feature because the PIP feature is provided
by your DVR, not your TV.
My TV has the PIP feature; why is PIP so much smaller now?
If your television came with PIP functionality, you may wish to deactivate it. The PIP
images with DVR become twice as small if your TV’s PIP functions are activated.
>> Questions About Managing Programs and Recordings
If I’ve used the Parental Control feature to block a rating or channel
in the Guide, will recordings of these programs also be blocked?
Yes. If you have blocked programs by channel or rating in the General Settings menu,
recordings of these programs will also be blocked if the Parental Control setting is on.
They will be recorded, but to play them back, you must enter your four-digit PIN. For
details, see “Playing Back Blocked Recordings” on page 19.
How can I re-block a recorded program?
Press My DVR to view a list of your Recorded Programs. Highlight and select the program
you want to block. Highlight and select Block. Enter your PIN. The program will now be
re-blocked.
25
 DVR REMOTE CONTROL DVR QUICK TIP CARD

Easy Steps to Use the Features of Your DVR

Quick Reference
How Do I Record a Single Program?
1. Press Record on your remote to begin
POWER ON DEMAND recording a program you are watching live.
Press to individually turn on Press ON DEMAND to Or, highlight a program in the Guide
or off the DVR, TV, or AUX access the menu of and press Record . The Confirm
component. available ON DEMAND
programming. (Not available Recording screen appears with One
CABLE in all areas.) episode highlighted.
Press to enable control of 2. Press A to Accept Recording with the default save time of 14 days.
your digital cable/DVR box. VIDEO CONTROL
In CABLE mode, these 3. If you would like to record a second program, simply repeat this process.
TV buttons pause, fast-forward,
Press to enable control of rewind, and stop any DVR
your TV. (Note: This feature or ON DEMAND program How Do I Record a Series?

✄
requires the digital remote to you select. In the AUX mode,
be programmed to operate these buttons will control 1. Highlight a program in the Guide
your TV.) a VCR or DVD player, if and press Record . The Confirm
programmed.
INSTANT REPLAY Recording screen appears.
LIVE 2. Press ▲ on your remote to select All
Press to jump back 8
seconds for an instant replay. Press to skip forward to live
Episodes. The Save Latest column
programming.
MY DVR appears to the right.
MENU 3. Select the number of episodes you want
Press to display a list of your
recorded programs. Press to go to Settings.
to save.
LOCK OK / SELECT 4. Press to accept the recording. The
Press while watching a Press to select a highlighted All Episode Recording screen appears.
program or while in a listings item. Also shows or hides
menu to restrict viewing program information while 5. Highlight the recording option of your
or purchase. watching TV. choice and press OK/Select .
GUIDE ARROWS
Press for a shortcut to Press to move the highlight How Do I Play Back a Recording?
program listings organized to the next field in a menu or
by start time. screen. Also use to browse 1. Press My DVR on the remote.
what’s on other channels
INFO while watching TV.
2. Highlight a program and press
Press to see a description of
OK/Select .
ENTER / HD ZOOM
the highlighted program, 3. Press OK/Select again to begin
if available. In TV & AUX mode, press
to enter channels on some playback.
HELP TVs or information on menu
When using the Guide, screens.
press for helpful on-screen
information. How Do I View a List of Programs Scheduled to Record?
PIP CONTROLS
1. Press My DVR on the remote.
Use to watch two
programs at once. See 2. Select , Scheduled Recordings, to
page 17 for details. view the list.

Note: Your remote may vary slightly from the one pictured here.
However, basic functions should remain the same.

26 27
 DVR QUICK TIP CARD (CONTINUED)

Easy Steps to Use the Features of Your DVR

How Do I Pause, Rewind, and Instantly Replay Live TV?
Press Pause , Rewind , or Instant Replay on the remote.

How Do I Return to Live TV?

Press Live on your remote.

How Do I Use Picture-In-Picture?

1. Press PIP On while watching TV to view
the PIP screen.
2. Use the PIP Channel Up or PIP
Channel Down buttons on your remote

✄
to change the channel of the PIP screen.
3. Press Swap SWAP
to bring the program in the
PIP screen into the main TV screen.
4. Press Move to change the location of
the PIP screen or press PIP Off to turn
off PIP and return to full-screen TV.
Note: A program must be in the main TV screen
in order for playback functions like pause and
rewind to work.

How Can I See How Much Storage

Space is Available?
1. Press My DVR .
2. Select the Preferences Option.
3. Highlight Recording Space Used.

How Do I Turn on Auto Erase?

When Auto Erase is on, your oldest recordings are deleted when space is needed
for new recordings.
1. Press My DVR on your remote.
2. Select to view the Preferences screen.
3. Highlight Auto Erase and press OK/Select .

Important Notes About Your DVR

>> Parental Control will not prevent a blocked program from recording. However,
the recording can only be viewed after the correct four-digit Parental Blocking
PIN is entered.
>> DVR automatically saves recordings for 14 days unless you specify otherwise.
>> ON DEMAND and Music Choice channels cannot be recorded.

For more information, visit comcast.com.

SA DVR 0405